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City Report · CA

Goleta

Pop. 32,685·53rd most expensive in California·One of the pricier rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$3,843/mo
Year-over-Year
+0.1%
Month-over-Month
-0.8%
vs US Median
+$1,878
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Goleta · $3,843
More expensive than 97% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
58/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 4% below what Goleta's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$3,843/mo
Expected by trend
$4,010/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Goleta's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$2,600
1 BR
$2,940
2 BR
$3,310
3 BR
$4,380
4 BR+
$4,880
Research median
$3,310/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$46,116/yr
At $3,843/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Balanced Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are roughly steady, with neither renters nor landlords holding a strong edge right now.
Based on rent-price momentum (+0.1% YoY, -0.8% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Goleta, CA is roughly split between renters and owners, has a median income above the national average, 49.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
32,685
Median income
$122,370
Median age
36.9
Renters
49.3%
Age distribution
18.9%
28.6%
22.6%
13.7%
16.2%
Under 1818.9%
18–3428.6%
35–5422.6%
55–6413.7%
65+16.2%
Gender
50.7%
49.3%
Male50.7%
Female49.3%
Race & ethnicity
50.2%
36.7%
White50.2%
Black1.8%
Hispanic36.7%
Asian11.1%
Education (25+)
13.7%
26.7%
49.4%
No HS diploma10.3%
HS diploma13.7%
Some college26.7%
Bachelor's+49.4%
Housing tenure
50.7%
49.3%
Owner50.7%
Renter49.3%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2023 vs 2026

How Goleta, CA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$3,649 → $3,843
up 5.3%
Income
$104,830 → $122,370
up 16.7%
Population
32,677 → 32,685
up 0.0%
Renter share
48.1% → 49.3%
+1.2 pts
Bachelor's+
48% → 49.4%
+1.4 pts
Median age
35 → 36.9
+1.9 yrs

Five years ago, renters in Goleta, CA paid around $3,649 a month. That figure now sits near $3,843, up 5.3% from the 2023 baseline. Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $104,830 in 2021 to $122,370 more recently. With wages climbing faster than rent over the same window, renters here have a bit more breathing room than they did five years back. These shifts give renters and would-be renters a longer baseline for sizing up today's listings against the Goleta, CA market of 2023.

Community

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View Goleta rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Goleta on your salary?

At $3,843/mo, how Goleta rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Goleta rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Goleta. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Goleta

About renting in Goleta, CA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Goleta is $3,843/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $2,600/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $3,310/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,940/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $4,380/mo.

At 38% of local median household income ($122,370/yr), Goleta ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 0.1% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Goleta an affordable city for renters?

Goleta is considered moderate for renters. At $3,843/mo, rent takes approximately 38% of the local median household income ($122,370/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Goleta slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Goleta?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $154,000/year (~$74/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $3,843/mo in Goleta. The local median household income is $122,370/yr, meaning the typical Goleta household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Goleta?

Rent in Goleta has been relatively stable over the past year, with a 0.1% change year over year as of July 2026.

How does Goleta rent compare to other cities in California?

Goleta is one of the pricier cities in California for rent, ranking #53 out of 387 tracked cities at $3,843/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Goleta?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Goleta ($3,843/mo): Lompoc ($2,254/mo), Santa Maria ($2,520/mo), Isla Vista ($3,417/mo).

What percentage of Goleta residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 49.3% of Goleta households are renters, while 50.7% are owner-occupied. Goleta leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Goleta rent compare to the national average?

Goleta's median rent of $3,843/mo is $1,878 (96%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within California, it ranks #53 out of 387 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
38%
MODERATE

At $3,843/mo, rent takes ~38% of Goleta's median household income ($122,370/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Goleta 38%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1–13.3%
Run the Goleta affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Goleta
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Goleta, CA

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